Method of compression and digital imaging device employing compression algorithm

Abstract

In one embodiment, a digital imaging device comprises an imaging subsystem for capturing video frames, a motion sensor for detecting movement of the device, and encoding logic for encoding video frames from the imaging subsystem according to a motion compensation compression algorithm, wherein the encoding logic determines motion vectors by displacing interframe search areas using information from the motion sensor.

1 . A digital imaging device comprising: 
 an imaging subsystem for capturing video frames;    a motion sensor for detecting movement of said device; and    encoding logic for encoding video frames from said imaging subsystem according to a motion compensation compression algorithm, wherein said encoding logic determines motion vectors by displacing interframe search areas using information from said motion sensor.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said motion sensor generates information indicative of angular translation.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said motion sensor generates information indicative of linear displacement.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said encoding logic implements a function that calculates an estimated interframe pixel displacement using information generated by said motion sensor.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said function is a linear function.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said encoding logic is implemented within an application specific integrated circuit.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 4  wherein said encoding logic is implemented using software instructions.  
   
   
       8 . A method of compressing video images used in association with an image capture device, said method comprising: 
 receiving at least first and second video frames;    receiving motion information related to a movement of said device from at least one motion sensor;    selecting a reference block of pixels within said second frame;    selecting a search area within said first frame, wherein said search area is displaced from a position defined by said selected reference block using said motion information; and    determining an interframe motion vector by comparing said reference block of pixels within said second frame to pixels within said search area of said first frame.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising: 
 determining a displacement vector from said motion information and originating at a position in said first frame associated with said reference block's position in said second frame, wherein said selecting said search area employs said displacement vector to locate said search area.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said motion sensor is a gyroscopic sensor.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising: 
 calculating a displacement vector by employing a small angle approximation for a function that receives information indicative of angular displacement using said gyroscopic sensor.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said motion sensor is an accelerometer.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said accelerometer is disposed within said image capture device to provide a signal voltage proportional to an acceleration of said device along an axis within an image capture plane.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein a plurality of accelerometers generate said motion information, wherein said plurality of accelerometers provide at least one differential signal that is indicative of angular translation of said image capture device.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein a plurality of accelerometers are disposed within said image capture device in respective Cartesian planes.  
   
   
       16 . A system, comprising: 
 means for generating video images;    means for detecting motion of said system; and    means for encoding said video images according to a motion compensation compression algorithm, wherein said means for encoding displaces search areas during motion vector calculation in response to information received from said means for detecting.    
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein said means for detecting comprises at least one accelerometer.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 16  wherein said means for detecting generates at least one signal that is indicative of lateral translation of said system along an axis.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 16  wherein said means for detecting generates at least one signal that is indicative of a change in angular orientation of said system.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 16  wherein said means for encoding estimates an amount of pixel displacement between respective video frames in response to information received from said means for detecting.  
   
   
       21 . A method, comprising: 
 generating video images by an imaging device;    detecting motion of said imaging device; and    encoding said video images according to a motion compensation compression algorithm, wherein said encoding displaces search areas during motion vector calculation in response to information received from said detecting.